TfL: Campaign group warns Cycling Action Plan does not match commitment to Net Zero London by 2030

A London campaign group has welcomed the capital’s new Cycling Action Plan aiming to boost ridership numbers - though warned the targets do not match the Mayor’s commitment to a Net Zero London by 2030.

Transport for London (TfL) recently unveiled its new action plan for the city, building on a previous version launched in 2018, in which it details how it intends on increasing the volume and diversity of cyclists in London.

The plan sets targets of growing daily cycled journeys by a third by 2030, from 1.2m today to 1.6m, and ensuring 40% of Londoners live within 400 metres of the cycleway network.

It includes a list of 20 actions which TfL hopes will work towards achieving these aims, such as working with boroughs to roll out more low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), and expanding its web of cycleways.

The transport authority says there are a number of issues demanding greater take-up of cycling in the capital, including decarbonisation, improving air quality, and bettering the health of Londoners.

Following the publication of the plan, Simon Munk, head of campaigns at London Cycling Campaign (LCC), described several of its commitments as “very welcome”, such as the promise of 10 new Safer Junctions schemes by next year and additional LTNs.

However, he warned that “in a climate crisis, the targets for increasing cycling simply don’t appear to match the Mayor’s own commitment to a Net Zero London by 2030.

“His modelling shows we need to reduce the distance driven in London by motor vehicles by a quarter by 2030 to get to that net zero target, and do our bit as a city.”

Mr Munk continued to describe TfL and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s delivery on cycling as being “too timid of late”, adding that too many of the London boroughs are similarly “dragging their heels”.

“If we are to decarbonise motor transport rapidly, as London now can see all too clearly is much-needed, the Mayor and boroughs will have to pull together and be bolder than this Plan manages.”

Announcing the new plan, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said: “Our new Cycling Action Plan sets out our commitment to further boost the numbers of cyclists across our city and increase participation from London’s diverse communities.

“We want London to be the best city in the world to cycle in, and breaking down barriers to participation and access to it is a big part of that. Alongside London’s boroughs and other partners we will continue our efforts to expand cycling to build a greener, fairer city for everyone.”